Full-Day Ica, Huacachina & Desert Adventure Tour

Discover the magic of southern Peru with our exclusive Full-Day Tour to Ica and Huacachina, an experience designed for travelers looking to combine relaxation with extreme adventure. First, we will leave the hustle and bustle of Lima behind and head into a region blessed with year-round sunshine and world-famous fertile valleys. During this journey, in addition to learning the secrets of pisco production at traditional wineries, you will have the opportunity to explore the Oasis of the Americas, a natural paradise surrounded by enormous sand dunes.

Likewise, the excitement will reach its peak when you race through the desert in dune buggies and defy gravity while practicing sandboarding. For all these reasons, this tour is the ideal option for couples, friends, and families who want to disconnect and create unforgettable memories in a single day.

Itinerary

Departure from Lima – Heading to the Land of Sunshine:

Early in the morning, we will begin this exciting adventure from Lima. We will travel south along the Pan-American Highway on a journey of approximately 4 hours. Along the way, you will watch the urban landscape transform into golden sand dunes and fertile valleys, while our guide introduces you to the history and interesting facts of the Ica region.

Winery Visit: Tradition and Flavor:

Upon arriving in Ica, our first stop will be at a traditional artisanal winery. There, you will learn step by step about the production process of wine and Peruvian pisco, discovering techniques that have been passed down since colonial times. Afterwards, we will enjoy a guided tasting where we will sample different varieties of pure pisco, sweet wines, and artisanal fruit liqueurs.

City Tour through the Historic Center:

After the tasting, we will continue with an enriching tour through the city center. We will visit the impressive Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Ica. You will also learn interesting historical facts about the city’s development as an agricultural and cultural center in southern Peru.

Free Regional Lunch:

At lunchtime, you will have free time to choose from a selection of local restaurants. Our guide will recommend some of the best places to enjoy traditional dishes such as Carapulcra with Sopa Seca or refreshing coastal Ceviche.

Huacachina: The Oasis of the Americas:

In the afternoon, we will head to the magical Huacachina Oasis. This is a place that looks like something straight out of a postcard, thanks to its lagoon surrounded by palm trees and desert landscapes. Here, you will have free time to walk along the promenade, take panoramic photographs, or simply relax while enjoying the scenery.

Desert Adventure (Dune Buggies & Sandboarding):

Then comes the most anticipated moment of the day: the extreme adventure. We will board dune buggies and race across the dunes at high speed on an adrenaline-filled journey. You will also have the opportunity to practice sandboarding, sliding down the sand like a pro.

If time allows, we will finish this experience by watching a spectacular sunset over the desert.

Return to Lima:

After an unforgettable day, we will begin our journey back to Lima. Finally, we will arrive in the city approximately between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., bringing an action-packed day of culture, flavors, and adventure to an end.

Includes

Private Tourist Transportation:

Exclusive round-trip transportation from Lima in modern and safe vehicles equipped with air conditioning and driven by professional drivers with extensive experience on the southern route.

Official Tourism Guide:

Personalized assistance throughout the tour. Our guide will not only share historical information and interesting facts but will also coordinate each activity to make the most of your time.

 Ica City Tour:

Panoramic tour of the most important landmarks in the historic center, including the Plaza de Armas and the city’s main monuments, accompanied by a detailed cultural overview.

 Visit to Huacachina Oasis:

Access to the lagoon area and free time to explore its surroundings, visit natural viewpoints, and capture the best desert landscapes.

 Adventure Tour (Dune Buggies + Sandboarding):

Includes a dune buggy ride through the highest dunes in Ica and the necessary equipment for sandboarding under the supervision of trained staff.

Assistance and Support:

Continuous coordination and assistance in case of any unexpected situation, ensuring a smooth and safe experience from departure to return.

Not Included

Food and Drinks:

Lunch is not included. Therefore, the cost of food and drinks during the stops is the responsibility of each passenger. However, our guide will provide recommendations based on your preferences.

Additional Purchases at the Winery:

Although a complimentary tasting is included, any additional drinks or purchases of pisco and wine to take home must be paid for directly at the winery.

 Municipal Fee and Taxes:

In some cases, access to the dune area may require a municipal fee (Huacachina entrance tax) of approximately S/ 4.00, which is usually collected directly before boarding the dune buggies.

Shopping and Souvenirs:

Any personal items, handicrafts, desert accessories, or snacks you wish to purchase during your free time are at your own expense.

Voluntary Tips:

Tips for the tour staff, including the guide and driver, are not included in the base price. They are completely optional and are a way of showing appreciation for exceptional service.

 Additional Photography Services:

During the dune buggy activity, some external photographers may offer their services. However, this is an independent service and is not operated by the tour company.

 Recommendations

Light Clothing and Sun Protection:
Because Ica has a warm climate throughout most of the year, we recommend wearing lightweight, breathable clothing. It is also essential to use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong desert sun.

Appropriate Footwear:
During the day, we will walk around the city and the winery, so we recommend wearing comfortable sneakers. For the sandboarding activity, however, it is preferable to wear footwear that provides good support while moving across the dunes.

Hydration and Energy:
Although there will be stops for meals, the desert heat can be demanding. For this reason, we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and some light snacks, such as nuts or cereal bars, to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.

Technology and Battery:
Huacachina offers unique landscapes that you will want to capture throughout the day. Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged or, even better, bring a portable power bank so you don’t miss any photographs of the sunset.

Cash in Local Currency:
Although some larger establishments accept cards, many artisans and small shops in Huacachina only accept cash. Therefore, it is essential to carry Peruvian soles in small denominations for quick purchases, municipal fees, or tips.

 Light Luggage:
To make your movements easier, it is best to bring a small backpack containing only the essentials. This way, you can move around more comfortably during the winery visit and dune buggy ride.

 Frequently Asked Questions 

Where does the pickup take place in Lima?

The tour starts early in the morning with pickup from strategic meeting points, usually in districts such as Miraflores, San Isidro, and Downtown Lima. However, if you are traveling as a group or prefer a personalized service, you can also inquire about private transportation from your own hotel.

What time will we approximately return to Lima?

Since this is a full-day tour, arrival in Lima is usually between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Please note that this schedule may vary slightly depending on traffic conditions on the Pan-American Highway and the pace of the group during the activities.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No. Meals are not included. However, we will make a stop at a local restaurant so you can enjoy Ica’s diverse cuisine. Our guide will also provide recommendations so you can choose traditional dishes such as Carapulcra or Sopa Seca according to your budget.

Is sandboarding dangerous if I have no previous experience?

Not at all. In fact, this is a recreational activity suitable for beginners. The guide will teach you basic techniques for sliding safely, whether standing, sitting, or even lying down. Therefore, no previous experience is required to enjoy the dunes.

Is the tour suitable for children and older adults?

Yes, the experience is suitable for families. However, for the dune buggy ride, we recommend that people with back problems or hypertension inform the tour operator in advance. Children must always participate under the constant supervision of a responsible adult.

Do I really need to bring cash?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Although some establishments accept digital payments, many businesses in Huacachina and some wineries prefer cash. Carrying Peruvian soles will allow you to quickly pay for the municipal dune fee, purchase handicrafts, or buy snacks without any inconvenience.

What should I pack for the tour?

In short, the essentials are your identification document, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket for the return journey to Lima. Also, remember to bring your camera or phone with enough storage space to capture one of Peru’s most beautiful desert sunsets.